Apply for STRiVE 2014


by David Hoffman

The application for UMBC's STRiVE 2014 leadership retreat (January 13-17, 2014) is now available.  If you're a UMBC undergraduate interested in learning about yourself, building new skills, making new friends and becoming an agent of change on campus and in your community, you should consider applying.  Here are some of the Facebook status updates and tweets posted by participants in STRiVE 2013 the day they got back from the retreat last January:
  • Back from an AMAZING 5 days at STRiVE. I honestly could not ask for a more awesome group of people to spend these past days with and I'm so grateful for all the effort everyone put into this to make it an experience of a lifetime. Although i'm sad it had to end, I can't wait to see all of you back at school next week!! Have a great rest of your break 
  • Best week i've had in a LONG time!!! So many new friends and memories .Thanks Strive 2013 ♥ 
  • If I had to describe this past week, I wouldn't know what to say. It was a complete blur, but an intense blur to my soul, heart, and mind. However, I do know that after this week, I can call all of the future leaders that attended STRiVE 2013 my family and that I can officially call UMBC not just my school...but my home away from home. 
  • #STRiVE2013 was indescribable, unforgettable, and the best thing that could ever possibly happened in my life. 
  • wow. words cannot describe what just happened - the easiest was to say it is that all I want to do is go back and do it all over again because it was so amazing. LETS GO BACK!! #STRIVE2013! 
  • STRiVE was one of those times that made me wish life had a replay button.
  • All I can say about STRiVE is YAAAAAAASSSS ! 
  • What a week! It's unexplainable, but somehow things just got a lot better and life is much more explained :) STRiVE 2013 
  • I've already had a good amount of faith in humanity and people but this whole STRiVE experience gave me that extra bump of reinforcement needed to start of this next semester right. Definitely one of the most amazing things I have ever been a part of.
  • I honestly could not have asked for a more refreshing, enlightening, and inspiring week. Life changing is an understatement. How blessed I am to have been a part of STRiVE 2013! ♥ 
  • SOOO I just got back from the leadership retreat known as STRiVE. The past 5 days have been some of the most memorable of my life thanks to the amazing people that I met, and I'm so happy to say that I'll be able to be around a lot of them for the next 4 or so years of my life. Thank you all for one of the best weeks of my life! 
  • #STRiVE2013 was one of the best experiences of my life. Completely eye-opening, influential and absolutely perfect. They say the friends we made there are forever and I don't doubt it. What an incredible group of strong leaders. I cannot wait to see the change we can bring to the UMBC campus. 
  • I was really not sure whether I wanted to go to STRiVE, but I'm soooo glad I went. It was such an amazing experience and I met so many great people. Thanks everyone for making it such a wonderful time :)  
  • Five days, various new friendships, and countless new memories that I will always cherish STRiVE 2013 a truly unforgettable experience 
So yeah, it's a worthwhile investment of time during winter break! 

STRiVE 2014 will take place at the Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland (participants will travel by bus from the UMBC campus). A team of 12 UMBC staff members and student leaders will serve as facilitators for the retreat.


Learn more about STRiVE and complete the application here.

You can also read my post-STRiVE reflections and check out some photos from STRiVE 2013, STRiVE 2012, STRiVE 2011, STRiVE 2010, and STRiVE 2009.

The application is due by Thursday, November 15th at 11:59 a.m. If you have questions about STRiVE, email Virginia Byrne: vbyrne@umbc.edu.




Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> by David Hoffman The application for UMBC's STRiVE 2014 leadership retreat (January 13-17, 2014) is now available.  If you're a UMBC undergraduate interested in learning about yourself, building... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/10/apply-for-strive-2014.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/37043/guest@my.umbc.edu/087bcb677c07ce89ef9cdd5799ffa2e7/api/pixel strive Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 20 4 true Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:21:00 -0400 Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:21:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Mero Kitila We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Mero Kitila

Hometown: Burtonsville, MD

 Major: Psychology

 Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fourth year.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am the president of Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. and a student assistant at the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. I am also secretary of the Multicultural Greek Council and a member of some other organizations around campus!

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I smile, cheer people up, and bring people together :).

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I love that I'm constantly surrounded by a diverse group of people that teach me so much and challenge me with differing outlooks. I also love making a positive impact on someone's day, whether it's putting a smile on their face or helping them do something important.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: As someone who has a tendency to over-commit herself, I've learned that it's okay--necessary, even--to say no sometimes. I've also learned that it's never too late to change or make a change!

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: SCANDAL! (the show) and Kerry Washington.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My favorite spots on campus are the International Media Center and the Fireside Lounge! They are both great little places to get work done.

 BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.



Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/10/real-people-profiles-mero-kitila.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36952/guest@my.umbc.edu/fb68acae497df0e526619307fadd320f/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 39 7 true Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:21:00 -0400 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:21:00 -0400 Scenes from the Homecoming Bonfire (Photos) by David Hoffman

Despite the wind and before the rain, UMBC managed to squeeze in its traditional Homecoming Bonfire on a crisp fall Wednesday night. Many chicken wings were consumed.

(All photos taken by Blair Connolly).





















Below is one photo from each previous UMBC Homecoming Bonfire. The tradition started in 2005; the 2009 and 2011 bonfires were cancelled due to inclement weather.
2005

2006

2007

2008
2010

2012
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> by David Hoffman Despite the wind and before the rain, UMBC managed to squeeze in its traditional Homecoming Bonfire on a crisp fall Wednesday night. Many chicken wings were consumed. (All... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/10/scenes-from-homecoming-bonfire-photos.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36841/guest@my.umbc.edu/9354988383995b7835307e4e6e90f0dd/api/pixel bonfire scenes-from-photos Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 10 2 true Thu, 10 Oct 2013 13:35:00 -0400 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 13:35:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Jeffrey Kee We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Jeffrey Kee

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

 Major: Information Systems

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Senior Year.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I'm the President of the Student Government Association (SGA).

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I encourage students to be themselves and to question society's norms.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: As the SGA President, I enjoy meeting students all over campus, talking with them about different ways we can improve UMBC and working with them to help make these changes a reality. I also enjoy helping students find their purpose here at UMBC because as college students, it's easy to get side tracked and lose sight of what your purpose is in life.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: An important thing I've learned is that grades/majors don't define a person. As college students, we are heavily pressured by our parents, teachers and peers to choose a major that is prestigious and makes a lot of money, but at the end of the day, if you don't love it, then don't do it! I've met a lot of students who absolutely hate their majors, but continue to do stick with it because their parents want them to. Don't live for your parents, live for yourself because if you hate it now, imagine doing it for another 40 years! Put your talents to good use and find a career that you'll enjoy waking up to everyday. 

Another important thing I've learned is that the majority of what you learn in college will be taught outside of the classroom through the different experiences and encounters you will have with the thousands of students on campus.  

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: SGA, Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oakland Raiders, Reebok Pumps, old school hip-hop music, Tupac, vintage clothing, gold chains, Full House, Parks and Recreation, Tumblr, NBA jerseys, snapback hats, Dave Chappelle, Charlemagne tha God, Juicy J and NBA 2k13.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: I don't really have any little known facts about UMBC, but my two favorite hang out spots are:

1) The dining hall during Late Night because my good friend Larry works the cash register and it's a fun place to hang out at with all my friends.

2) The outside basketball court. I used to spend a lot of my free time there, but I got dunked on earlier in the year and haven't been back too much since then.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/10/real-people-profiles-jeffrey-kee.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36635/guest@my.umbc.edu/698df16178a3dcf9e63e26f464c16fc1/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 86 8 true Sun, 06 Oct 2013 20:20:00 -0400 Sun, 06 Oct 2013 20:20:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Mark Sparks We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Mark Sparks

Hometown: Baltimore

 Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 3 years.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Chief of Police, UMBC Police Department.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: Improving quality of life to enhance the educational experience at UMBC.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I'm most gratified by the daily contact with smart people who have a true stake in the reputation and success of UMBC. From the students I'm lucky enough to work with on a regular basis, the faculty and staff I regularly interact with, to my own staff in Police and Parking, I'm constantly reminded that not only is this place filled with brilliant people, but brilliant people who truly care about the institution.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most memorable thing I've come to learn about UMBC is how much I enjoy the "small town" feel of the place when I walk through campus. It started when I was in the search process for my own job, and after one of the full day interviews with members of the community, I related to my wife that the whole time I was here walking around campus, people said hello to me, everywhere I went. I was not used to that coming from another institution, but the experience stuck with me and reinforced how much I wanted to be a part of a place that found importance in relationships and civility, as well as enviable academics.

That feeling was reinforced once I had been hired, and attended my first summer retreat after being here for about a week. Dr. Hrabowski saw me sitting at a table in a room full of about 500 people, and pointed the new Chief of Police out to everyone at the campus retreat, and asked me for a few words. Well, I've never been shy about talking to people, especially about myself, so I gave a thumbnail sketch of who I was, got them all laughing, and as Jerry Seinfeld would say, "left on a high note." For weeks after Dr. Hrabowski pointed me out, I walked around campus with people coming up to me, shaking my hand, and welcoming me to campus. When my wife asked me how the new job was going, I had to say that I felt like a rock star every time I walked around the campus, and it reminded me of the fact that the PEOPLE here are what makes UMBC such a great place.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Thai food, as hot as they'll make it for me.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: I've eaten at a lot of campus dining halls, and if True Grits isn't the best one I've been to, it's on a short list.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/10/real-people-profiles-mark-sparks.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36387/guest@my.umbc.edu/e9b34e595b6c94a78fe90e488994ddd1/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 48 4 true Tue, 01 Oct 2013 09:35:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Kelly Rund We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Kelly Rund

Hometown: Hampstead, MD

 Major: Psychology, B.S. & Pre-Physical Therapy Program

 Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fifth semester at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Outside of school-related positions, I work for Residential Life as a desk staffer in Patapsco Hall and I hold two positions in my sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. In Phi Sig, I am our Sisterhood Chair and I am a member of our Standards Board. I am also a member of the PHA (Panhellenic Association) Standards Board, representing Phi Sigma Sigma. Relating to my major, I am a research assistant in the Human Operant Laboratory studying behavioral psychology.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: Sister, friend, student, and "that girl that works at Patapsco front desk".

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I really love being a desk staffer and seeing the residents in my building outside of the Patapsco lobby; its really nice to see people in the dining hall and have them say hi because "you're that girl that works at my front desk!". Not only that, but being a desk staffer really lets you connect with residents and sometimes make a noticeable difference in people. I enjoy being the first person people see when they walk into the building, giving them someone to talk to when they've had a rough day, and just getting to know them better as they get acquainted with UMBC and being a college student.

I also like walking through The Commons during free hour on Wednesdays and seeing Greek Life taking over the tables under the flags. Its such an incredible feeling to know that you're apart of a great organization that is part of an even better community. Being in a sorority has shaped my entire college experience into what I believe, is the best it could be thus far.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I have learned in college is not to let your four years here at UMBC go by wasted. My freshman year, I joined three organizations my first semester, and a fourth second semester. I made lifelong friends (through FYC & Phi Sigma Sigma), learned some really amazing things about UMBC (through (seb), SGA, & FYC), and learned that I could really make a difference on this campus. By getting myself involved on campus, I believed I was really making the most of my freshman year- and I was. Two years later, I am still joining more organizations, encouraging other people to join the wonderful orgs I am a part of, and loving every minute of it. I have four semesters left here and I'm already dreading the day I have to leave this university for the real world. Everyone says it flies by so quickly, and each semester I am learning more and more how right they are.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: The Ravens, acoustic music, the stars in Carroll County, giraffes, pumpkin spice lattes, mashed potatoes, my Yorkie-Poo puppy, the Orioles, Florence + the Machine, and paddle-boarding.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: One of my favorite spots on campus is in the library; the second floor has so many tables tucked behind the book stacks that are really great to use when you want to get a lot of studying done in the library! (Mostly because if you tell someone you're back there, they won't be able to find you).

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/09/real-people-profiles-kelly-rund.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36336/guest@my.umbc.edu/703e4439f07d55510c5bf5e6344c113a/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 78 8 true Mon, 30 Sep 2013 09:40:00 -0400 Ambiguity Road by Craig Berger

 "Alright, thank you for your time," I said. I quickly hung up, wanting the call to end as soon as possible. After yet another university's dismissal from a search process, I had no options left. At that point my job search had no forward momentum whatsoever. 

 As I sat in my parents' living room that summer evening two years ago, I was completely perplexed. Was I doing something wrong? If so, what? I had no idea what my future looked like. 
And more troubling to me was the public nature of it all--the struggle was not only "real," but visible. I was a grown man, living with my parents, staying in touch with newly-employed friends, and constantly scouring the job market for new opportunities. Thinking about how others--including my family, friends, and mentors--perceived my joblessness was, at times, paralyzing. Were they secretly attributing my lack of success to not working hard enough? Did they think I was being too picky? If I did stumble upon a search process I could successfully navigate, did I accept the offer--even if the job was mediocre at best? And if I didn't, would my support system disapprove of my decision-making? I marinated in my self-doubt for several weeks, watching "Golden Girls" and "The Price is Right," and reading. 

 It took a while (several months, in fact), but I eventually recognized that while it was a mess, it was my mess. While I could have tried to hide from it, pretended it wasn't happening, or saved face and not discuss my struggle with others, the stress wasn't going to disappear. I swallowed the shame I was feeling and started to reach out to my professional contacts, requesting that any opportunities they encounter be passed along to me. I started a blog, knowing that as an introvert who best communicates via writing, I could embrace the struggle publicly and hopefully better understand the situation in which I found myself and how I was handling it. I even embraced being in the very place in which I grew up, sorting through personal artifacts and thinking about who I was, the experiences unique to my life, and what I offered an institution. 

 And based on this knowledge, I also thought about what I might want in a new professional setting. The most important criterion I established was that I wanted to work in an office and at an institution that expected me to "be real" each day, both with colleagues and students. I wanted to be able to learn from my and others' actual lived experiences as opposed to compartmentalizing my time spent working with students from who I "really" am away from campus. After all, the key realization I discovered in navigating this ambiguous process was that this messy job search was the real world for me. I recognized that life isn't about moving from accomplishment to accomplishment, trumpeting only those moments of joy and excitement and hiding that which challenges us or makes us vulnerable. 

 When I ended my job search at UMBC two years ago this month, I was reminded that accomplishments are made that much more joyful and meaningful when they're built on ground fertilized by our mistakes and challenges. I come to work each day thankful that I get to be me, and that the standard for success by which I am measured is 1.) how effectively I am able to draw upon my experiences and passions in my work with colleagues and students, and 2.) how well I can learn from others'.

 Based on what you know about yourself now, what do you want to find in a job? Feel free to share in the comments below.
     
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.  ]]> by Craig Berger "Alright, thank you for your time," I said. I quickly hung up, wanting the call to end as soon as possible. After yet another university's dismissal from a search process, I had... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/09/ambiguity-road.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36091/guest@my.umbc.edu/44a73794244742695e08fae749c113a2/api/pixel careers craigs-personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 11 0 true Tue, 24 Sep 2013 10:30:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Stephanie-Jane Okpara We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Stephanie-Jane Okpara

 Major: Psychology

Hometown: Riverdale, MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 4th year at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Service Intern, President of Student Alumni Association, Vice President of the Gospel Choir, IHU Peer Facilitator and last, BUT certainly not least, a WOOLIE!

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: Listener, friend, encourager. Assisting people in any way I can.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I LOVE meeting and interacting with new people and new students, more specifically. Meeting people not only helps me learn about others, but also about myself. I love answering questions about campus and pointing people to whatever resources they may need. I also like to encourage new students to get involved and explore UMBC. It's only as fun as you make it to be.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: One of the most important things I've learned in college is to realize when it's time to let something go. I like to act like Super Woman, but I just can't do everything. Letting go of something doesn't mean you've failed. BALANCE is key.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: God, optimism, smiles and jokes. Oooh, and most definitely chocolate.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My favorite spot on campus is wherever there are free UMBC shirts.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.



Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/09/real-people-profiles-stephanie-jane.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/36008/guest@my.umbc.edu/10cbb04faa98385decd0a02949b0a663/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 82 21 true Sun, 22 Sep 2013 19:06:00 -0400 Right from the Start: Opportunities for New UMBC Freshmen & Transfer Students by David Hoffman and Craig Berger

 Two special leadership and involvement opportunities are now open to students in their first semester at UMBC. If you want to make friends, build your leadership skills and work with others to make a meaningful difference on campus, start right here.

 First Year Council

 The First Year Council works with campus leaders to make the first-year experience the best it can be. Past First Year Councils have addressed weekend dining options, created community-building programs and helped peers find the information they needed on campus. A member of the original First Year Council spearheaded the establishment of the Homecoming Bonfire as a campus tradition.

The First Year Council meets every Friday afternoon with advisors from Student Life. Become a member by being nominated by any student organization. Just ask one of the organization's officers to complete this form. The nomination deadline is September 25, 2013. Questions? Contact Annekia Harding, Civic Engagement and Leadership Intern in Student Life, at annekia1@umbc.edu.

 Student Government Association First Year Ambassadors

 First Year Ambassadors serve in the SGA Senate, Finance Board and Executive Branch.  They have all of the responsibilities of other SGA officers (except that First Year Ambassadors serving in the Senate and Finance Board do not vote), but receive special training and opportunities to learn about SGA's and UMBC's structure and operations.  In addition, First Year Ambassadors have the opportunity to represent SGA on the First Year Council. This opportunity is open to all students in their first year at UMBC.

Questions? Contact Max Barnhart, Assistant Director of SGA Departmental Affairs, at mb11@umbc.edu. To apply to join SGA as a First Year Ambassador, follow this link:  First Year Ambassador Application
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> by David Hoffman and Craig Berger Two special leadership and involvement opportunities are now open to students in their first semester at UMBC. If you want to make friends, build your... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/09/right-from-start-opportunities-for-new.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/35819/guest@my.umbc.edu/b0394597c85f0e155e545c3af38c2286/api/pixel first-year-council Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 10 0 true Wed, 18 Sep 2013 10:49:00 -0400 Be the Next Student Regent
by David Hoffman

The University System of Maryland encompasses 12 institutions, including UMBC, and two regional higher education centers. It employs more than 14,000 faculty members and owns more than 1,000 buildings. Its annual operating budget is more than $4.5 billion. There are more than 175,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at its various institutions. But only one of them gets to participate directly in the decisions of the Board of Regents, the system's governing body. Three times in the past eleven years, that one student--the Student Regent--has come from UMBC.  Could you be next?

Please take a look at this description of the Student Regent position and application, and consider applying. Please also pass the information along to friends who may be interested.  The student selected will serve from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

The application deadline is Thursday, October 24th at 5:00 P.M. Submit completed applications in hard copy to my mailbox in the Office of Student Life, Commons 336, and also email the application form and essays to me at dhoffman@umbc.edu.  I'm very happy to answer questions about the position and the process, so don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to know more.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> by David Hoffman The University System of Maryland encompasses 12 institutions, including UMBC, and two regional higher education centers. It employs more than 14,000 faculty members and... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/09/be-next-student-regent.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/35768/guest@my.umbc.edu/350610e64c0109bee783c26356b0550a/api/pixel opportunities student-regent Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 16 0 true Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:45:00 -0400